IPL 2018: Four England players to leave the tournament early

The move comes as a massive blow for the franchises.

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Ben Stokes
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Rajasthan Royals’ Ben Stokes in action. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently taking place and is presently into its second half. The competition is cut throat and the eight franchises are straining every muscle to outclass each other. Meanwhile, four English cricketers in Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes are set to bid adieu to the cash-rich league due to international commitments.

As per reports in Times Now, the England Cricket Board (ECB) has recalled its players by May 17, one week prior to the start of England’s two-match Test series against Pakistan which begins from May 24. The opening Test will be played at the iconic Lords Cricket Stadium in London. The move is definitely going to come as a body blow for the franchises who are aiming to win the championship.

The major omissions

While Woakes and Ali are playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mark Wood and Ben Stokes are plying their trade for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) respectively. The Royals led by Ajinkya Rahane are in dire requisite of some wins and Stokes’ omission might cripple them to some extent. The all-rounder hasn’t quite been up to the mark and has faltered thus far.

However, his sheer presence was a motivational factor for Rajasthan. Woakes, on the other hand, played quite a few matches for RCB, but eventually was dropped for Tim Southee. Wood played only the opening game where he was taken apart by the Mumbai Indians (MI). Meanwhile, Moeen has warmed the benches thus far for Virat Kohli’s men.

As far as the Test series is concerned, the trio of Woakes, Wood and Stokes are almost confirmed selection in the squad. Moeen Ali was dropped from the eleven in England’s second Test during their tour of New Zealand back in March. However, chances of him being evicted from the squad are minimum. The home would team would want to thump the visitors before they take on India later in July.

Here is RCB’s squad

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